In a statement on its Facebook page, Maritime Forces Pacific said the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre Victoria has “made the difficult decision to suspend their search today as of 15:30 PST, and transfer the case to the RCMP.”

“Over the last nine days, Royal Canadian Air Force and Parks Canada aircraft have flown approximately 120 hours in extremely challenging weather and conditions, covering more than 22,000 square kilometres in the areas surrounding the last known location, and likely flight path, of the missing plane,” the Facebook post says.

“The JRCC Victoria acknowledges the support we have received from Parks Canada and CASARA, and the information provided by Telus, Rogers, NavCanada and NORAD, which greatly assisted in narrowing the search area.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”